The majority of accidents involving large trucks happen on the highways, because trucks spend most of their time traveling the highways. However, one type of truck accident that not many people think of but is more common than you would think is garbage truck accidents. Unlike most interstate semis and tractor-trailers, garbage trucks spend most of the time traveling residential streets, roads, and alleyways. Though these accidents tend to happen at significantly slower speeds, the higher population density and traffic volumes in these neighborhoods makes garbage truck accidents especially dangerous. If you have been injured in a garbage truck accident in your neighborhood or other residential area, a Peachtree City truck accident attorney can help you get reimbursed for your injuries.
Garbage trucks have less maneuverability and poor visibility than other vehicles on residential roads. However, other vehicles are not the only ones in danger of garbage truck accidents. Pedestrians, playing children, and bicyclists are all at danger of injury in garbage truck accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more pedestrians and bicycle riders are killed by garbage trucks than by any other type of vehicle on our nation’s roadways. These accidents are commonly caused by:
- Frequent starts and stops
- Inexperienced, negligent, fatigued, or otherwise careless drivers
- Driving on the wrong side of the road or in the wrong lane for easier access to trash cans
- Malfunctioning or faulty reverse alarms
- Making turns or backing up without adequately looking for people in the road
- Objects falling from the back of the truck
Teaching children about safety around garbage trucks is not something parents may automatically think about. However, due to the high rate of injury and/or fatality in garbage truck accidents, it is important to make sure your child knows to stay a safe distance away from these large trucks.
If you or your child is injured in a garbage truck accident, it is important to contact a trucking lawyer as soon as possible. Call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 today.